Batting tee and method of use

ABSTRACT

The invention is a batting tee and method of use. Embodiments of the batting tee may include a base plate, a center post, one or more extension pins and a hollow flexible tip that are configured to be stacked upon each other to support a ball at a selected height off of the ground. The extension pins are configured to stack upon the center post and upon other extension pins. The hollow flexible tip is configured to stack upon the highest of: the center post or the stacked extension pins. Various methods of using the batting tee are also disclosed for instruction in setting up and using the batting tee.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional patent application is related to contemporaneouslyfiled U.S. design patent application, titled “BATTING TEE”, havingAttorney Docket No. 4740.SHMS.DS, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to training devices for baseball andsoftball. More particularly, the invention relates to a batting tee andmethod of use.

2. Description of Related Art

In the game of baseball or softball, one of the most difficult skills tomaster is hitting. A hitter must simultaneously be able to coordinatethe swing of a bat with the precise location of a ball so that goodcontact is made with the ball during swinging of the bat. Additionally,the hitter must learn to make good contact with the ball at the variouspositions at which it may cross home plate, from an inside pitch to anoutside pitch, and from a high pitch to a low pitch, and variouscombinations of these variables.

In development of these skills, the trainer or coach typically uses abaseball tee to support a ball at a selected height above arepresentation of the baseball home plate. The player then hits the ballout into the field. Most commonly, a number of balls are hit into thefield before they are retrieved and placed on the tee for another swing.In this manner, the player can practice swinging and improve hishand-eye coordination and gradually develop his wrist and arm muscles.

Various conventional practice batting tees have been developed for thispurpose. These conventional practice tees have had various limitationswhich have discouraged their overall acceptance in the sport of baseballand softball. For example, many practice tees are mechanicallycomplicated and not designed to last more than a season's use. Otherconventional tees lack stability because of their lightweight designs.

Thus, it would be highly advantageous and useful to provide a practicebatting tee that is mechanically simple, stackable, robust and modularin design that can be collapsed for storage and transportation. It wouldalso be useful to have a method of using such a practice batting tee.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a batting tee is disclosed. The batting tee may includea base plate including a centrally located hole formed therein and aplurality of posts extending perpendicularly from an upper surface ofthe base plate, the posts disposed about a fixed radius from the hole,the hole adapted to receive a bolt. The batting tee may further includea center post comprising a threaded opening disposed within a proximalend for threaded engagement with the bolt, the center post configuredfor being secured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the uppersurface of the base plate, the center post further comprising a reduceddiameter male connector at a distal end. The batting tee may furtherinclude extension pins, each pin comprising a cylindrical opening in itsproximal end adapted for mating with a reduced diameter male connectoror a post, each pin further comprising a reduced diameter male connectorat its distal end. The batting tee may further include a hollow flexibletip configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector orpost.

An embodiment of a method of using a batting tee is disclosed. Themethod may include providing a batting tee. The batting tee may includea base plate, a center post, one or more extension pins and a hollowflexible tip. The method may further include placing the base plate on ahorizontal surface. The method may further include stacking a firstextension pin on top of the center post. The method may further includeoptionally stacking additional extension pins on top of the firstextension pin. The method may further include stacking a hollow flexibletip on top of a highest extension pin. The method may further includebalancing a ball on the hollow flexible tip.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying outthe invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in differentviews or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and side views of an embodiment of a base plateof a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and side views of an embodiment of a center postof a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and side views of an embodiment of an extensionpin of a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are axial and side views of an embodiment of a hollowflexible tip of a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a batting tee shown ina first configuration with no extension pins being used, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a batting teeshown in a second configuration with one extension pin stacked between acenter post and the hollow flexible tip, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a batting teeshown in a third configuration with two extension pins stacked upon acenter post and disposed between the center post and the hollow flexibletip, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a battingtee shown in a fourth configuration with three extensions pins stackedupon a center post and disposed between the center post and the hollowflexible tip, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of using a battingtee according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a batting tee and method of use according to the presentinvention are disclosed. The inventive batting tee is useful fortraining batters to hit a baseball or softball in order to improvebatting skills through practice. The batting tee may be used by trainersor coaches who instruct players. The batting tee may also be used byanyone interested in improving their batting skills. Various methods ofusing the batting tee are also disclosed for instruction in setting upand using the batting tee.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and side views of an embodiment of a base plate100 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention. Asbest shown in FIG. 1A, base plate 100 includes a centrally located hole102 for receiving a bolt 118. According to one embodiment, the bolt 118may be configured for selective attachment to a center post (not shownbut discussed below). However, according to the illustrated embodiment,bolt 118 may be fillet welded to the bottom surface 120 of base plate100 and ground to a smooth finish. According to one embodiment, bolt 118may be a 2″ black oxide alloy steel flat-head socket head bolt. However,it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that anysuitable threaded bolt may be used with embodiments the base plate 100of the present invention.

Base plate 100 may also include a handle shown generally at arrow 108used for hand carrying the base plate 100. The handle 108 may include agrip opening 110 adapted for one or more (up to four) fingers (notshown) to pass through in order to grip and carry the base plate 100.The handle 108 may further include a portion 112 of the base plate 100that is bent up (or angled up) at a selected angle, φ, along a secant114, or bend line, passing through two points along the perimeter of thebase plate 100. According to the illustrated embodiment of a base plate100, the secant 114 may pass through the grip opening 110. According toother embodiments not illustrated, the grip opening 110 may be entirelylocated within the portion 112 defined by the secant 114 without thesecant 114 intersecting the grip opening 110.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the base plate 100 mayinclude a slot 116 passing through the base plate 100. Slot 116 may beused to secure a hook and loop secured strap of an accessory bag (notshown) for carrying various components of a batting tee (not shown), butdescribed below. The slot 116 may be located near the grip opening 110as shown in FIG. 1A, to allow a strap (not shown) from an accessory bag(not shown) to pass through the slot 116 and the grip opening 110. Baseplate 104 may be formed of any suitable structural material, for exampleand not by way of limitation, steel, aluminum, titanium, or any othersuitable metal or metal alloy, or carbon composite materials.Additionally, base plate 104 may have any suitable thickness, forexample and not by way of limitation a thickness ranging from about0.1875″ to about 0.5″. Base plate 104 may be generally circular with asshown with any suitable diameter, according to various embodiments.According to one particular embodiment, base plate 104 may be formedfrom a 0.25″ thick, 16″ round pickled and oiled sheet of A-569/A-1011C.Q. steel. This particular type of steel is well known to those ofordinary skill in the art. Finally, base plate 100 may be painted orsurface finished to any suitable color or aesthetic design, e.g., aschool logo, according to other embodiments.

Base plate 100 may also include a plurality of pins or posts 104 (threeshown) extending perpendicularly from an upper surface 106 of the baseplate 100. Posts 104 may be of any suitable length and diameter.According to one embodiment, posts 104 may have a length ranging fromabout 1″ to about 4″. According to a particular embodiment, posts 104may be about 3.125″ in length. According to various embodiments, posts104 may range in diameter from about 0.5″ to about 1.5″. According toone particular embodiment, posts 104 may be about 1″ in diameter. Forease of insertion into cylindrical openings in extension pins (see 300and FIGS. 3A and 3B as described below) and either end of a hollowflexible tip (see 400 and FIGS. 4A and 4B as described below), the postsmay be rounded at the top 122 as best shown in FIG. 1B. Posts 104 may beformed of any suitable structural material, for example and not by wayof limitation, steel, aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable metal ormetal alloy, or carbon composite materials. According to a particularembodiment, posts 104 may be formed of cold finished round AISI C1018steel. This particular type of steel is well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and side views of an embodiment of a center post200 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention. Thecenter post 200 may include a threaded opening 202 located within aproximal end 204 for threaded engagement with the bolt 118. A main shaft206 of center post 200 extends from proximal end 204 to a shoulder 208that separates the main shaft 206 from a reduced diameter male connector210 located at a distal end 212. As shown in the illustrated embodiment,the male connector 210 may include one or more circumferential channels214 (two shown) for receiving an O-ring seal (not shown). The O-ringseals are used to form a tight seal against a cylindrical opening (notshown) in an extension pin (see 300 and FIGS. 3A and 3B as discussedbelow). The O-ring seal may be a rubber O-ring, size 117, according toone embodiment of the present invention. O-rings and their compositionsand sizes are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and thuswill not be further elaborated on herein. According to anotherembodiment, center post 200 may include a through-hole 216 passingthrough the male connector 210 which is useful for hanging the centerpost 300 during finishing, such as during powder coating.

Center post 200 may have any suitable length. For example and not by wayof limitation, center post 200 may have a length ranging from about 12″to about 20″, according to various embodiments. According to aparticular embodiment, center post 200 may have a length of about 16″.Center post 200 may have any suitable main shaft and male connectordiameters. According to a specific embodiment, center post 200 may havea main shaft 206 diameter of about 1.25″ and a male connector 210diameter of about 0.997″. The degree of variation in the male connector210 diameter may be ±0.001″, according to one embodiment. According to aparticular embodiment, the length of the reduced diameter male connector210 as measured from the shoulder 208 to the distal end 212 may be about3″. According to still a further embodiment, the distal end 212 of maleconnector 210 may be suitably rounded and/or tapered conically tofacilitate insertion into cylindrical openings (not shown, but see 300and FIG. 3B and related discussion below).

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and side views of an embodiment of an extensionpin 300 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention.The extension pin 300 may included a cylindrical opening 302 locatedwithin a proximal end 304 configured for mating with a reduced diametermale connector 210 or a post 104. The cylindrical opening 302 may haveany suitable dimensions as long as it is configured to tightly mate witha male connector 210. According to a specific embodiment, cylindricalopening 302 may have a diameter of about 1.004″, ±0.001″. A main shaft306 of extension pin 300 extends from the proximal end 304 to a shoulder308 that separates the main shaft 306 from a reduced diameter maleconnector 210 located at a distal end 212. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, the male connector 210 (which has the same characteristicsfor the center post 200) may include one or more circumferentialchannels 214 (two shown) for receiving an O-ring seal (not shown).Again, the O-ring seals are used to form a tight seal against acylindrical opening (not shown) in an extension pin (not shown, butdiscussed below). The O-ring seal may be a rubber O-ring, size 117,according to one embodiment of the present invention. According toanother embodiment, extension pin 300 may include a through-hole 216passing through the male connector 210 which is useful for hanging theextension pin 300 during finishing, such as during powder coating.According to the illustrated embodiment, extension pin 300 may furtherinclude a bleeder hole 318 passing from an outside surface 320 of themain shaft 306 into the cylindrical opening 302. The bleeder hole 318 isused to release air during mating with a reduced diameter mail connector210 or post 104.

Extension pin 300 may have any suitable length. For example and not byway of limitation, extension pin 300 may have a length ranging fromabout 7″ to about 13″, according to various embodiments. According to aparticular embodiment, extension pin 300 may have a length of about 10″.Extension pin 300 may have any suitable main shaft and male connectordiameters. According to a specific embodiment, extension pin 300 mayhave a main shaft 306 diameter of about 1.5″ and a male connector 210diameter of about 0.997″. Again, the degree of variation in the maleconnector 210 diameter may be ±0.001″, according to one embodiment.According to a particular embodiment, the length of the reduced diametermale connector 210 as measured from the shoulder 308 to the distal end312 may be about 3″. According to still a further embodiment, the distalend 312 of male connector 210 may be suitably rounded and/or taperedconically to facilitate insertion into cylindrical openings 302.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are axial and side views of an embodiment of a hollowflexible tip 400 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 4A, tip 400 has a hollow interior 402 thatis configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 orpost 104. The purpose of tip 400 is to provide a flexible but resilientsupport for a ball (not shown) that may be held stationary long enoughfor a batter to swing a bat and strike the ball into a field for battingpractice. According to one embodiment, tip 400 may be formed of a hose(e.g., a radiator hose) of suitable inside dimensions such that it willfit snugly over a male connector 210. According to a presently preferredembodiment, hollow flexible tip 400 may be formed of a silicone radiatorhose. Tip 400 may have any suitable length, such that a misguided bat isunlikely to hit a center post 200 or extension pin 300 upon which thetip 400 is mounted. For example and not by way of limitation, tip 400may have a length ranging from about 7″ to about 13″, according tovarious embodiments. According to a particular embodiment, tip 400 mayhave a length of about 10″. It will be understood that either theproximal end 404 or the distal end 412 may be mated with male connector210, thereby essentially doubling the usable life of the tip 400, as theends 404 and 412 are identical.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a batting tee 500 shownin a first configuration with no extension pins 300 being used,according to the present invention. Batting tee 500 may include a baseplate 100, supporting a center post 200, which in turn supports a hollowflexible tip 400, which in turn supports a ball 502 (shown in dottedline). The ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground in a firstposition where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown) and hitthat ball 502 out into field or net (neither shown). In this firstconfiguration, up to three extension pins 300 may be supported on posts104 (not visible in FIG. 5) and ready for use in adjusting the height ofthe ball 502 if desired.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a batting tee 600shown in a second configuration with one extension pin 300 stackedbetween a center post 200 and the hollow flexible tip 400, according tothe present invention. In this second configuration of batting tee 600,the two unused extension pins 300 may remain installed on posts 104 (onevisible in FIG. 6) and ready to be used to further elevate the ball 502if desired. As shown in FIG. 6, the base plate 100 supports the centerpost 200, which in turn supports an extension pin 300, which in turnsupports the hollow flexible tip 400, which supports ball 502. In thissecond configuration the ball 502 is held above the surface of theground upon which the base plate 100 rests in a second position, higherthan the first position, where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (notshown) and hit that ball 502 out into a field or net (neither shown).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a batting tee700 shown in a third configuration with two extension pins 300 stackedupon a center post 200 and disposed between the center post 200 and thehollow flexible tip 400, according to the present invention. In thisthird configuration, one unused extension pin 300 remains mounted on apost 104 on the base plate, ready for yet another extension of thecolumn supporting the ball 502. In this third configuration of battingtee 700, the base plate 100 supports a center post 200 which in turnsupports two extension pins 300, which in turn supports a hollowflexible tip 400 which directly supports ball 502. In this thirdconfiguration the ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground uponwhich the base plate 100 rests in a third position, higher than thesecond position, where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown)and hit that ball 502 out into a field or net (neither shown).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a battingtee 800 shown in a fourth configuration with three extension pins 300stacked upon a center post 200 and disposed between the center post 200and the hollow flexible tip 400, according to the present invention. Inthis fourth configuration, there are no unused extension pins 300remaining on the posts 104. In this fourth configuration of batting tee800, the base plate 100 supports a center post 200 which in turnsupports all three extension pins 300, which in turn support a hollowflexible tip 400 which directly supports ball 502. In this fourthconfiguration the ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground uponwhich the base plate 100 rests in a fourth position, higher than thethird position, where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown)and hit that ball 502 out into a field or net (neither shown).

FIGS. 5-8 all show the handle 108, slot 116, bent-up portion 112 andgrip opening 110 formed in the base plate 100, which are useful featuresfor picking the batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 up off of a groundsurface. However such features are not required elements of theinventive batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 and are not required withall embodiments of the invention. A particularly distinctive feature ofall embodiments of batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 shown anddescribed herein is the ability to stack the extension pins 300 and tip400 on the center post 200 to achieve one of four selected heights. Itwill be understood that by selecting various lengths of center posts200, extension pins 300 and tips 400, any desired height for supportinga ball 502 may be achieved. Additionally, while three extension pins 300are shown in the illustrated embodiments of batting tees 500, 600, 700and 800, any suitable number of extension pins may be used with otherembodiments and configurations.

It should also be noted that most conventional batting tees havetelescoping or other vertically sliding adjustment mechanisms foradjusting the height of a ball 502. Such conventional tees tend to beunstable at various levels of height adjustment because of theirconstruction. In contrast, the various embodiments of batting tees 500,600, 700 and 800 of the present invention are all stable at all fourheight positions. The stackable column of components and the particularstructure used to achieve stable stacking is believed to be unique tothe various batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 disclosed herein. Thefollowing are additional specific embodiments of batting tees accordingto the present invention.

Another embodiment of a batting tee is disclosed. The embodiment of abatting tee may include a base plate 100 including a centrally locatedhole 102 formed therein and a plurality of posts 104 extendingperpendicularly from an upper surface 106 of the base plate 100. Theposts 104 may be disposed about a fixed radius from the hole 102. Thehole 102 may be adapted to receive a bolt 118. The embodiment of abatting tee may further include a center post 200 comprising a threadedopening 202 disposed within a proximal end 204 for threaded engagementwith the bolt 118. The center post 200 may be configured for beingsecured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface 106 ofthe base plate 100. According to one embodiment, the center post 200 issimply bolted to the base plate 100 using bolt 118. According to anotherembodiment, the bolt 118 is further fillet welded with a smooth grindfinish, thus permanently securing the center post 200 to the base plate100. The center post 200 may further include a reduced diameter maleconnector 210 disposed at a distal end 212 of the center post 200. Theembodiment of a batting tee may further include extension pins 300, eachpin 300 comprising a cylindrical opening 302 in its proximal end 304adapted for mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 or a post104. Each pin 300 may further include a reduced diameter male connector210 at its distal end 312. The embodiment of a batting tee may furtherinclude a hollow flexible tip 400 configured for mating with a reduceddiameter male connector 210 or post 104. Thus, the tip 400 may be storedon a post 104 when not in use.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the base plate 100 mayfurther include a handle 108. The handle 108 may be configured as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, any suitable handle for carrying the baseplate 100 is contemplated to be within the scope of other embodiments ofthe present invention. According to one embodiment, the handle 108 mayinclude a grip opening 110 adapted for one or more fingers to passthrough. According to yet another embodiment, the handle 108 may furtherinclude a portion 112 of the base plate 100 bent up at a selected angle,φ, along a secant 114 through two points on a perimeter of the baseplate 100, the secant 114 also passing through the grip opening 110.According to still another embodiment, the base plate 100 may furtherinclude a slot 116 passing through the base plate 100 and disposed nearthe grip opening 110.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the center post 200may be cylindrical with major diameter of about 1.25″. According tovarious other embodiments of the batting tee, the center post 200 mayhave a length in a range from about 12″ to about 20″. According to aparticular embodiment, the center post 200 may have a length of about16″. According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the reduceddiameter male connector 210 extends about 3 inches from a shoulder 208of the center post 200. According to yet another embodiment of a battingtee, each of the extension pins 300 may have a length in a range fromabout 7″ to about 13″. According to a particular embodiment, each of theextension pins 300 may have a length of about 10″.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the hollow flexibletip 400 may be a silicone radiator hose. According to variousembodiments, the hollow flexible tip 400 may have a length in a rangefrom about 7″ to about 13″. According to a particular embodiment, thehollow flexible tip 400 may about 10″ long.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the reduced diametermale connector 210 may include at least one circumferential channel 214for receiving an O-ring seal. According to a particular embodiment, thereduced diameter male connector 210 may include two circumferentialchannels 214 each seating an O-ring seal. According to anotherembodiment of a batting tee, each of the extension pins 300 furtherinclude a bleeder hole 318 passing from an outside surface 320 into thecylindrical opening 302 to release air during mating with a reduceddiameter male connector 210 or post 104. According to another embodimentof a batting tee, the base plate 100, the center post 200 and theextension pins 300 are formed from any one or a combination of thefollowing materials: steel, aluminum, titanium, metal alloy and carbonfiber composite materials. According to another embodiment of a battingtee, one or more extension pins 300 are stacked upon the center post 200and the hollow flexible tip 400 is stacked upon the one or moreextension pins 300 to support a ball 502.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 900 of using abatting tee according to the present invention. Method 900 may includeproviding 902 a batting tee. Providing the batting tee may includeproviding any of the batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 and theirvariations as described herein. Method 900 may further include placing904 the base plate on a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface maybe, e.g., ground. Method 900 may further include stacking 906 a firstextension pin 300 on top of the center post 200. Method 900 may furtherinclude optionally stacking 908 additional extension pins 300 on top ofthe first extension pin 300. Method 900 may further include stacking 910the hollow flexible tip 400 on top of a highest extension pin 300.Method 900 may further include balancing 912 a ball on the hollowflexible tip 400.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the terms“configured for” and “adapted for” as used herein to describe acomponent, section or part of a device includes hardware or structuralelements that are constructed and/or positioned to carry out the desiredfunction. In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as“substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean areasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the endresult is not significantly changed.

While the foregoing advantages of the present invention are manifestedin the detailed description and illustrated embodiments of theinvention, a variety of changes can be made to the configuration, designand construction of the invention to achieve those advantages. Hence,reference herein to specific details of the structure and function ofthe present invention is by way of example only and not by way oflimitation.

1. A batting tee, comprising: a base plate including a centrally locatedhole formed therein and a plurality of posts extending perpendicularlyfrom an upper surface of the base plate, the posts disposed about afixed radius from the hole, the hole adapted to receive a bolt; a centerpost comprising a threaded opening disposed within a proximal end forthreaded engagement with the bolt, the center post configured for beingsecured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface of thebase plate, the center post further comprising a reduced diameter maleconnector at a distal end; extension pins, each pin comprising acylindrical opening in its proximal end adapted for mating with areduced diameter male connector or a post, each pin further comprising areduced diameter male connector at its distal end; and a hollow flexibletip configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector orpost.
 2. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the base platefurther comprises a handle.
 3. The batting tee according to claim 2,wherein the handle comprises a grip opening adapted for one or morefingers to pass through.
 4. The batting tee according to claim 3,wherein the handle further comprises a portion of the base plate bent upat a selected angle along a secant through two points on a perimeter ofthe base plate, the secant passing through the grip opening.
 5. Thebatting tee according to claim 2, wherein the base plate furthercomprises a slot passing through the base plate and disposed near thegrip opening.
 6. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein thecenter post is cylindrical with major diameter of about 1.25″.
 7. Thebatting tee according to claim 1, wherein the center post has a lengthin a range from about 12″ to about 20″.
 8. The batting tee according toclaim 1, wherein the center post has a length of about 16″.
 9. Thebatting tee according to claim 1, wherein the reduced diameter maleconnector extends about 3 inches from a shoulder of the center post. 10.The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein each of the extension pinshas a length in a range from about 7″ to about 13″.
 11. The batting teeaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the extension pins has a length ofabout 10″.
 12. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the hollowflexible tip comprises a silicone radiator hose.
 13. The batting teeaccording to claim 1, wherein the hollow flexible tip comprises a lengthin a range from about 7″ to about 13″.
 14. The batting tee according toclaim 1, wherein the hollow flexible tip comprises a length of about10″.
 15. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the reduceddiameter male connector comprises at least one circumferential channelfor receiving an O-ring seal.
 16. The batting tee according to claim 15,wherein the reduced diameter male connector comprises twocircumferential channels each seating an O-ring seal.
 17. The battingtee according to claim 1, wherein each of the extension pins furthercomprise a bleeder hole passing from an outside surface into thecylindrical opening to release air during mating with a reduced diametermale connector or post.
 18. The batting tee according to claim 1,wherein the base plate, the center post and the extension pins areformed from a material selected from the group comprising: steel,aluminum, titanium, metal alloy and carbon fiber composite materials.19. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein one or more extensionpins are stacked upon the center post and the hollow flexible tip isstacked upon the one or more extension pins to support a ball.
 20. Amethod of using a batting tee, the method comprising: providing abatting tee, the batting tee comprising: a base plate including acentrally located hole formed therein and a plurality of posts extendingperpendicularly from an upper surface of the base plate, the postsdisposed about a fixed radius from the hole, the hole adapted to receivea screw; a center post comprising a threaded opening at a proximal endfor receiving the screw, the center post configured for being securedto, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface of the baseplate, the center post further comprising a reduced diameter maleconnector at a distal end; extension pins, each pin comprising acylindrical opening in its proximal end adapted for mating with areduced diameter male connector or a post, each pin further comprising areduced diameter male connector at its distal end; and a hollow flexibletip configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector orpost; placing the base plate on a horizontal surface; stacking a firstextension pin on top of the center post; optionally stacking additionalextension pins on top of the first extension pin; stacking the hollowflexible tip on top of a highest extension pin; and balancing a ball onthe hollow flexible tip.